May/19
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Biofile: Barbora Krejcikova Interview
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: WTA no. 33. Won French Open and Wimbledon doubles in 2018 and Australian Open mixed doubles in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Has reached the finals of 2021 Roland Garros singles.
DOB: December 18, 1995 In: Brno, Czech Republic
First Tennis Memory: Tough question…are you going to ask me all these tough questions [smiles]? First memory…well, I was little and I just started to attend the tennis courts in my city. And having a chance to start hitting on the court. Because when I was little, I only had a chance to hit on the wall.
Tennis Inspirations: Well, when I was little I was liking how Justine Henin was playing at that moment. But so far I would say Jana Novotna because I had the chance to spend the time with her. For me it was the most inspiring years when she was coaching me (age 18-21).
Last Book Read: Some kind of detective book. But I’m not really into books.
Current Car: I have a Czech brand, Skoda (blue).
First Famous Tennis Player You Met Or Encountered: Jana Novotna. I wrote her a letter asking if she would help me in my career. She lived in a village near me. I drove to her home with my parents and she was outside walking her dog. I told her I was a young player looking for advice and she agreed to help me. She helped me for three years until she became ill.
Greatest Career Moment: Probably winning Grand Slam (French Open and Wimbledon doubles in 2018 with Katarina Siniakova and Australian Open mixed doubles in 2019 with Rajeev Ram).
Most Painful Moment: I cannot remember one right now.
Favorite Tournaments: I love Australian Open.
Closest Tennis Friends: I don’t really have that many on the Tour right now. But probably my doubles partner (Katarina Siniakova) since I spend a lot of time with her.
Funniest Players Encountered: …I don’t know [laughs].
Fiercest Competitors Encountered: Hardest to compete…I would say Serena is gonna be the highest. But I didn’t have a chance to play her yet [smiles].
Favorite Sports Outside Tennis: Any ball sports. I really like golf.
Three Athletes You Like To Watch & Follow: I follow Federer. I really like his game. I really like the game he plays. Then probably some Czech athletes. I like to watch ice hockey.
Why Do You Love Playing Tennis: I just love the game. I love to travel. I love to play tournaments. I love to play different players. I just love the game.
Funny Tennis Memory: Was at US Open (2017). It was 5-3 in the third set, 30-all and I was playing point to have match point. Or break point down. And we played a long rally. And I hit my shot and I ended up under the chair umpire stand. Yeah. I fell under there. I had huge bruises. But I won that point. I had a backhand winner down the line on the line. Then we had a match point and we won the match. That was probably the funniest and most painful for me. We played quarterfinal.
Strangest Match: When we played Chans (sisters) at Miami Open (2018). We were down 9-4 in the match tiebreaker and we won 13-11. And then we made finals.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Lemon.
Which Match(es) Did You Feel At Your Best: I would say WTA Nuremberg 2017 when I did from qualies to finals.
People Qualities Most Admired: Honest and truthful. And happy.
PHOTO CREDIT: George Voloch.
Barbora Krejcikova · Czech Republic · WTA
1 comment
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Scoop Malinowski · May 14, 2019 at 10:21 am
Touching story about her friendship and union with Jana Novotna. Barbora is a really nice player and person and I hope she gets to top ten in singles which she is capable of.